Pivac to stick with Rhys as full-back
THE Scarlets will continue with Rhys Patchell at full-back for their Champions Cup pool showdown against Toulon in Llanelli on Saturday, despite Leigh Halfpenny passing a fitness test.
Wales full-back Halfpenny has recovered from the pectoral muscle problem that has forced him to miss the last two matches, but will start among the replacements against his former side as head coach Wayne Pivac gives a vote of confidence to the starting XV that beat Bath in stunning fashion at The Rec last weekend.
With Johnny McNicholl again absent because of a shoulder injury, the in-form Patchell is joined by Tom Prydie and Paul Asquith in the back three. Dan Jones wears the No. 10 jersey.
Just a point separates the three-times champions from the Scarlets in Pool 5 with the winner of the clash guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.
Toulon, meanwhile, have been hit by another setback with powerful wing Josua Tuisova, who destroyed Benetton last weekend, ruled out because of flu.
The French giants are already without France international centre Mathieu Bastareaud, who has been banned for three weeks for a homophobic slur said during that 36-0 win at the Stade Mayol.
Toulon are still able to field a side stacked with international experience. Former NRL rugby league star Semi Radrada comes in to partner All Black World Cup winner Ma’a Nonu in midfield.
Limited amount of tickets are available for a match that is heading towards a 14,500 sellout. TEAMS – Scarlets: R. Patchell; T. Prydie, H. Parkes, S. Williams, P. Asquith; D. Jones, G. Davies; R. Evans, K. Owens (capt), S. Lee, T. Beirne, D. Bulbring, A. Shingler, J. Barclay, James Davies. Reps: R. Elias, W. Jones, . Kruger, L. Rawlins, W. Boyde, A. Davies, S. Hughes, L. Halfpenny. Toulon: H. Bonneval; JP Pietersen, S. Radradra, M. Nonu, C. Ashton; A. Belleau, A. Mathewson; F. Fresia, G. Guirado (capt), M. van der Merwe, J. Kruger, R. Taofifenua, F. Isa, D Vermeulen, R. Lakafia. Reps: A. Etrillard, X. Chiocci, E. Setiano, J-M Fernandez-Lobbe, F. Trinh-Duc, J. Monribot, E. Escande, S. Manoa.